How did the Chavadi procession actually get started each night? What was the process before Baba would leave the Masjid?

The start of the Chavadi procession was a grand and systematic affair. According to Chapter 37, the evening would begin with a bhajan group gathering in the Masjid's pavilion, where they would sing until midnight. The scene was beautifully set with a chariot, a Tulsi altar, and rows of lamps. A pivotal moment was the arrival of Tatya Patil. Sai Baba would not leave until Tatya came and physically helped Him up by placing a hand under His arm. After Tatya placed a golden-bordered shawl over Baba, Sai would perform a ritual of touching a bundle of firewood with His toe and extinguishing a flame with His hand. Only then would the procession commence with music, fireworks, and jubilant slogans.